Planning a cruise with kids and stopping in Nassau, Bahamas? You may be wondering which excursion will actually be worth it—and fun for the whole family. With dozens of options on the Royal Caribbean excursion list, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But after digging through reviews from real cruisers, posts in family travel forums, and firsthand tips from Cruise Critic and Reddit, here are the best Nassau excursions with kids in mind.
👉 I also covered this in a short TikTok — if you’re a visual learner, you’ll find the highlights here ⬇️
1. Blue Lagoon Island Dolphin Swim & Beach Day
Price: From $185.90 per person
Why it’s great: This one consistently gets top reviews for families. The dolphin swim is well-organized, safe for kids, and unforgettable. You also get access to a beautiful, calm beach that’s ideal for younger children. The ferry ride over is short and smooth, and you can pair the swim with lunch and beach time for a full day of fun.
Good to know: There are multiple dolphin experiences listed—the swim is more interactive than the encounter. Book early if your kids are set on it.
2. Swimming Pigs & Pearl Island Beach Escape
Price: From $218.90 per person
Why it’s great: This is a more adventurous option that still works for most school-aged kids and tweens. The pig interaction is a unique photo-worthy moment, and Pearl Island offers a relaxed beach experience with amenities. Families enjoy the combo of animal interaction and downtime.
3. Glass-Bottom Boat and Reef Snorkel or Two-Stop Snorkeling Adventure
Price: From $92.40–$147.40 per person
Why it’s great: These excursions offer a look at marine life without needing to be strong swimmers. For kids who are comfortable in the water, the two-stop snorkel is a more immersive option. For younger or more cautious kids, the glass-bottom boat version gives a safe and still-exciting view of the ocean.
4. Blue Lagoon Island Deluxe Beach Break
Price: From $136.40 per person
Why it’s great: If your kids just want to swim and play, this is a calmer and cheaper option than the dolphin experiences. Blue Lagoon Island is known for its clear waters and family-friendly vibe, and there are shaded areas, bathrooms, and food on site.
5. Atlantis Dolphin Cay Playtime & Aquaventure
Price: From $390.50 per person
Why it’s great: It’s pricey, but if you want to splurge, Atlantis delivers a premium experience. The Aquaventure water park includes lazy rivers, pools, and water slides, and the dolphin playtime is a more hands-on, kid-focused animal experience. Great for tweens and teens.
6. Pearl Island Beach Escape & Snorkel
Price: From $163.90 per person
Why it’s great: If you’re looking for a quieter day than Atlantis or Blue Lagoon, Pearl Island is peaceful and still offers snorkel fun. It gets solid reviews for safety, service, and cleanliness. Great for kids who like exploring but don’t need non-stop activity.
7. DIY Nassau Day: Pirate Museum, Junkanoo Beach, and Queen’s Staircase
Price: Free to <$20 per person
Why it’s great: If you don’t want to book a structured excursion, you can still have a great family day on foot. Walk from the cruise port to Junkanoo Beach (free), visit the Pirate Museum (fun and educational), and climb the Queen’s Staircase for great photos. This option saves money and keeps things flexible for nap schedules, picky eaters, or short attention spans.
A Few to Skip (or Save for Later)
- Royal Beach Club Cabanas – These are still listed for sale, but the new Royal Beach Club isn’t open yet. Some cruisers have reported confusion after booking.
- Cooking Classes and Food Tours – Better suited for adult travelers or older teens.
- Nassau Walking Tours – These are interesting, but may be too long or hot for young kids, especially mid-day.
Final Tips for Booking Excursions in Nassau with Kids
- Book early if dolphins or pigs are a must—spots fill fast.
- Pack water, reef-safe sunscreen, and a change of clothes for kids.
- Bring passports if you leave the main island by boat—even for a day.
- Double-check age and height requirements for any animal or snorkel excursions.
- Have a “Plan B” in case of weather changes or tired kids.
Coming Soon: Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club
While it won’t be open in time for most 2025 summer sailings, Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island is scheduled to open late December 2025. Once open, it will offer an all-inclusive beach day just minutes from the cruise port—perfect for families wanting a premium beach experience without a long transfer.
Charity Bradley 
Leave a comment